Smith & Wesson and Vortex Partner on New Model 1854 Hunting Rifle Packages

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MARYVILLE, TN. – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, today announced the launch of four Model 1854 lever-action rifle packages, including two models chambered in .30-30 Winchester and two models chambered in .45-70 Government. Each rifle comes factory-equipped with a Vortex Crossfire® HD 2-7×32 riflescope, providing users with a complete, ready-to-hunt rifle and optic set up.

The Model 1854 rifle series combine traditional American lever-action styling with modern performance features. Available in both stainless-steel synthetic and walnut-stock configurations, the new Model 1854 rifle packages offer options for hunters and shooting enthusiasts seeking either a rugged, accessory-ready platform or a classic lever-action appearance. All four rifles include a 6+1 capacity, forged stainless-steel receiver and 20-inch barrel, smooth large-loop lever, Picatinny optics rail, fixed magazine tube, and integrated sling mounting points. They also feature a modern flat-face trigger, a gold-bead front sight, and threaded muzzles for suppressor use.

Stainless-steel models are designed with three M-LOK® compatible accessory slots on the forend, while walnut-stock variants provide classic textured grip panels for enhanced control and a traditional look and feel. Each package includes a Vortex Crossfire HD 2-7×32 scope with an illuminated Dead-Hold® 2A BDC (MOA) reticle, mounted using Pro Riflescope Rings. The optic features a 2-7x magnification range, 32mm objective lens, second focal plane design, and is backed by the Vortex unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty. Read more

Firearms, Optics

Tips to Keep Crossbows and Gear Dialed In

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The anticipation of deer season is hard to beat. Instead of counting down the days, put that excitement to good use. Success often comes down to preparation rather than luck. Before opening day, spend the time making sure both your crossbow, gear and shooting skills are ready.

Inspect Your Crossbow – Look for worn or frayed strings, damaged cables, loose scope mounts and stock screws, and cracks or other damage on the limbs and riser. If something doesn’t look right, have it repaired before the season rather than hoping it lasts one more hunt.

Don’t Store It Cocked – Modern crossbows are built to stay cocked during a hunt, but leaving one cocked for extended periods puts unnecessary stress on the limbs, string and cables. Before heading home safely de-cock the crossbow.

Check Every Arrow – Arrows deserve as much attention as the crossbow. Inspect every shaft for cracks, loose inserts, damaged vanes and cracked nocks. Roll them on a flat surface to check for bends and discard anything questionable. A damaged arrow isn’t worth the risk. Read more

Archery

Beretta Introduces the New A400 Solo: Unstoppable By Nature

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Accokeek, MD – Beretta USA is excited to announce the launch of the A400 Solo, a new semi-automatic shotgun engineered for hunters who demand uncompromising reliability, speed and performance in the harshest conditions. Built on Beretta’s proven A400 platform and packed with the company’s latest advancements, the A400 Solo delivers faster cycling, softer recoil and exceptional ballistic performance in a rugged, purpose-built hunting shotgun.

Designed to thrive where conditions are at their toughest, the A400 Solo combines Beretta’s innovative B-LINK® Pro gas-operating system, Steelium® barrel technology and Kick-Off® Plus recoil reduction system into one dependable platform. Whether chasing waterfowl through flooded timber or walking upland fields, the A400 Solo is built to keep hunters focused on the shot, not their equipment.

“Our goal with the A400 Solo was to build a shotgun that hunters can rely on in any environment,” said Caleb McMillen, Beretta USA Sr. Product Manager for Long Guns. “Every feature was designed to help hunters perform with confidence, from faster cycling and reduced recoil to easier maintenance and legendary Beretta barrel performance. The A400 Solo is built for those who refuse to let the elements dictate their hunt.”

Key features of the new Beretta A400 Solo include:

  • B-LINK® Pro Gas System – Beretta’s fastest, cleanest and most reliable gas-operating system to date, cycling up to 36% faster and running 46% cleaner while reliably handling everything from light target loads to heavy magnum hunting ammunition.
  • Kick-Off® Plus Recoil Reduction System – Reduces felt recoil by up to 40%, minimizing muzzle rise and vibration for faster follow-up shots and greater comfort in the field.
  • Steelium® Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel – Features an extended 80 mm forcing cone that delivers exceptional ballistics, dense and consistent shot patterns, and reliable performance across a variety of hunting loads.
  • B-Lok® Magazine Cap – Allows quick, tool-free disassembly for faster cleaning and maintenance in the field.
  • OptimaChoke® HP Extended Chokes – Optimized for consistent patterns and versatility across hunting applications.
  • B-Uffer® Recoil Pad – Durable, weather-resistant design that enhances recoil absorption while standing up to harsh hunting conditions.
  • Enhanced Hunting Ergonomics – Includes a lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum receiver, adjustable stock shims and spacers, and an enhanced reversible safety for a customized fit and intuitive operation.

Read more

Firearms

Celebrate 150 Years of Tawas Point Light at Anniversary Events Aug. 7-8

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Photo courtesy of Michigan DNR

Did you know that the Tawas Point Lighthouse you see today in Iosco County isn’t the original? Built in 1853, the first lighthouse quickly became ineffective when a natural process called accretion — the gradual increase in land area through the accumulation of sediment, soil or other material — extended the point so far out that by the 1870s the structure was more than a mile inland!

To keep up with increased shipping traffic in Tawas Bay, the United States Lighthouse Board broke ground on a new lighthouse in the spring of 1876. Construction was completed that November, and the new lighthouse shined its first light from its new location on the peninsula the following spring.

Now, 150 years later, you’re invited to join the Michigan History Center, the DNR and Friends of Tawas Point Lighthouse and State Park for a two-day anniversary kickoff celebration, Aug. 7-8. The fun starts noon-5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7 — National Lighthouse Day — with yard games, lighthouse crafts, story time with Iosco-Arenac District Library staff and visits with partner organizations. Enjoy snacks and pick up some lighthouse merchandise provided by the friends group. Plus, admission is waived for the day, so you can check out this iconic lighthouse at no cost.

The celebration continues Saturday, Aug. 8, with a free Lee Murdock concert, 7-9 p.m. Bring your picnic blankets, snacks and chairs to listen to the acclaimed Great Lakes musician and enjoy an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling. Drawing inspiration from a boundless collection of Great Lakes history, songs and legends, Murdock brings the Great Lakes’ rich heritage to life through music. Please note: Admission to the lighthouse on Saturday is $5 for adults 18 and up, $2 for youth ages 6-17, and free for those age 5 and under. Read more

General

NSSF-Opposed Oregon Anti-Hunting Ballot Initiative Fails

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An Oregon anti-hunting ballot initiative opposed by NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, failed to gather enough certified signatures to be considered by voters. Oregon’s Initiative Petition 28 (IP 28), called the “People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions (PEACE) Act,” was proposed to prohibit and criminalize hunting, trapping and livestock production.

The proposed ballot initiative was disqualified by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Elections Division for consideration by voters on Nov. 3, 2026, after it gathered just 104,262 valid signatures, well below the threshold requirement of 117,173 required signatures.

“This radical anti-hunting plan was clearly, and correctly, rejected by Oregonians who wanted no part of this attack on the heritage of outdoorsmanship and proven conservation efforts that managed hunting requires,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel. “The proposal would have, without question, destroyed Oregon’s rural communities, outdoor economy and abundant wildlife. Hunters are the original wildlife conservationists and are crucial to sustained propagation of managed wildlife for future generations. Oregonians are correct to reject this short-sighted and politically-driven agenda that would have annihilated over a century’s work to restore wildlife across Oregon’s landscape.” Read more

Animal Rights, Hunting

Snakestaff Systems Announces Universal Snakeskin Tourniquet Carrier

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Snakestaff Systems today announced the release of the Universal Snakeskin, a do-it-all tourniquet carrier designed to provide a versatile mounting solution across a broad range of professional, recreational, industrial, and everyday applications.

Developed for compatibility with both the Snakestaff ETQ™ and ETQ Wide™, the Universal Snakeskin addresses a longstanding challenge: securely mounting a tourniquet where immediate access makes the most sense. While traditional mounting solutions have largely been limited to tactical equipment or purpose-built platforms, many everyday environments—including vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, heavy equipment, work gear, and recreational equipment—have lacked a practical, secure means of carrying hemorrhage control equipment. The Universal Snakeskin bridges that gap by providing a single carrier that performs equally well on conventional load-bearing equipment and in the diverse environments where rapid access to a tourniquet can be equally important.

The carrier incorporates multiple integrated attachment methods into a compact platform, allowing it to be mounted to backpacks, bicycles, motorcycles, vehicle interiors, heavy equipment, rifle stocks, plate carriers, battle belts, climbing harnesses, and numerous other applications. Read more

General

CCI’s High Bar Air Gun Slugs Now Available

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CCI’s new High Bar Air Gun Slugs are designed to deliver enhanced accuracy and terminal performance for modern air rifles. CCI Ammunition is shipping to retailers nationwide, with all four options now available. The new slugs are built with the same precision and consistency as CCI’s legendary rimfire bullets.

Find them at: High Bar Air Gun Slugs.

“Modern air guns, such as Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) rifles, are more capable than ever, and ammunition performance has to keep pace,” said Dan Compton, Product Director at CCI. “CCI High Bar Air Gun Slugs bring our proven standards of precision and consistency to the air gun category, giving shooters greater accuracy and effective terminal performance in the field.”

The all-new product line features CCI’s legendary 22-caliber Segmented Hollow Point and standard hollow-point designs, which are optimized for accuracy and terminal performance. The new 22-caliber slugs are offered in 30- and 35-grain and are packed in convenient 100-count packaging.

Part No. / Description / MSRP
ARS22HP / .22 Cal, 30-grain, Hollow Point / 100-count / $16.99
ARS22HP35 / .22 Cal, 35-grain, Hollow Point / 100-count / $16.99
ARS22SHP / .22 Cal, 30-grain, Segmented Hollow Point / 100-count / $16.99
ARS22SHP35 / .22 Cal, 35-grain, Segmented Hollow Point / 100-count / $16.99 Read more

Ammunition

SCI Applauds Commerce and State Department Rules Reducing Burdens for Hunters Traveling Abroad with Suppressors

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Safari Club International (SCI) welcomes companion interim final rules from the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security and the Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, which modernize export regulations and reduce unnecessary burdens on law-abiding hunters, sportsmen, and firearm owners traveling internationally.

The rules, which do not go into effect until November 20, 2026, transfer jurisdiction over certain suppressors from the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations and expand eligibility for export license exceptions applicable to temporary travel and lawful sporting activities. Under the rules, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may temporarily take eligible suppressors abroad for legitimate hunting, sporting, scientific, and personal protection purposes without navigating the more burdensome licensing requirements previously associated with ITAR-controlled exports. Commerce will regulate suppressors as “parts” of the firearms they accompany, and U.S. hunters will travel with suppressors under the same exception as those firearms.

“SCI strongly supports policies that remove unnecessary regulatory barriers for law-abiding hunters while maintaining appropriate national security safeguards,” said Jeff Meyerl, President of SCI. “The rules recognize that suppressors are valuable hearing-protection devices and that responsible hunters traveling internationally for lawful hunting activities should not face excessive export-control burdens when trying to use them. SCI is pleased to have successfully engaged with State and Commerce on this issue on behalf of international hunters, and thanks the Trump Administration for crossing the finish line in this important area.”

“I am especially proud of the SCI team, whose persistence, expertise, and engagement on behalf of our members helped elevate this issue and demonstrate why reform was needed,” said W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO of SCI. “Their work reflects SCI’s unwavering commitment to protecting hunters’ rights and improving the regulatory environment for sportsmen and women worldwide.” Read more

Hunting

ATN Firmware Update Sharpens the ThOR 6 Elite — the Best Thermal Rifle Scope on the Market

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ATN Corp, a U.S. leader in thermal imaging with more than 30 years of experience, today released a major firmware update for the ATN ThOR 6 Elite thermal rifle scope. The new firmware sharpens image quality out of the box, speeds contrast response, tightens digital zoom clarity, and improves battery recognition — extending the ThOR 6 Elite’s position as the best thermal rifle scope on the market for serious hunters, coyote hunters, hog hunters, and long-range shooters.

The update is free for all ThOR 6 Elite owners and installs through the ATN Connect 6 app or via USB-C.

What the New ThOR 6 Elite Firmware Improves Read more

Optics

Clinton County man faces 50 counts of firearm and wildlife violations

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July 27, 2026
Contact: 1st Lt. Richard Nickols, 517-284-4747

dead deer in a corn fieldThomas House, 26, was arraigned Thursday, July 23, in 65A District Court in St. Johns on 50 counts of combined firearm and wildlife violations.

House lived in Elsie when the violations occurred and now resides in St. Johns.

The Clinton County man was charged with:

  • Felony weapons offenses (five counts).
  • Reckless use of a firearm (one count).
  • Possessing an uncased firearm in a vehicle (three counts).
  • Taking game from a vehicle (six counts).
  • Shining with a weapon in possession (six counts).
  • Wildlife Conservation Order violations, including taking game without a license, improper method of take and taking game out of season (29 counts).

“This case demonstrates the importance of the public’s partnership with conservation officers,” said Capt. David Malloch, DNR Law Enforcement Division supervisor. “A tip to the Report All Poaching hotline, combined with the officers’ thorough and lengthy investigation, helped hold an individual accountable for their actions that showed a blatant disregard for wildlife and hunting laws. We encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious natural resources activity to report it immediately. We all play a role in protecting our natural resources.”

Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers received a tip through the DNR’s Report All Poaching Hotline Oct. 13, 2025, regarding a person shooting deer from a vehicle at night using a suppressed semiautomatic rifle.

The tip stated that the illegal hunting activity occurred multiple times in northern Clinton County and southern Gratiot County.

Conservation officers conducted a lengthy investigation, which included interviews and search warrants issued by the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office.

The investigation confirmed that between April 25, 2025, and Nov. 25, 2025, House would drive around at night, shining and shooting deer from his vehicle and then leaving the deer to rot, unharvested.

Additionally, House used his cellphone to record several videos and photographs of himself shooting and killing the deer, along with the deer lying on the ground. Read more

Poachers
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